Wins for the week and our new freedoms.
The past week has brought with it some really positive additions to our team at Macquarie Health Collective. We welcomed two new specialists to our team, Dr Tina Adorini, Cardiologist, and Dr Amy McLean, Sleep and Respiratory Physician. This was a win for our practice, but also for our region. Over the past 12 months, as well as the Covid Pandemic, we have seen quite a few specialists leave our region, with no commitment to return. This is disappointing, but hopefully with time and some return to normality, we will see the return of specialists. While we go through this period, we are hoping to continue to encourage and recruit specialists to treat in our practice and provide health care to our region.
This week we welcomed some new freedom to our lives, with restrictions lifting for now for those who are vaccinated. This has been welcomed by so many in our community as they come to terms with these new privileges. The things that we once took for granted are now being enjoyed with such enthusiasm. It is little wonder though, as this recent lockdown has been particularly hard for many.
It can, however, be an overwhelming time for many as well. Getting used to these new freedoms can cause anxiety in those that have become accustomed to life during lockdown. Lyndal, our Psychologist, has given us some helpful tips on how to relax. Little steps towards leaving the home can be a good start, as she shows us.
Spending time in nature can be great for your overall well-being. Take a walk along the riverbank or through a park.
Relaxation doesn’t have to mean sitting still – gentle exercise can help you relax too. Try gentle stretches, yoga, or Pilates.
Our technology keeps us connected, but too much can also make you feel busy and stressed. Try turning your phone off for an hour or a day!
We have been doing such a good job trying to stay connected to our friends and family and now it is just as important. If you notice that a friend or family member is reluctant to come out and meet you in social settings, they might be feeling anxious about ‘getting out there’. Remember social anxiety is a real thing and they need all the support you can give them to help them become more comfortable outside the home.
We hope that you enjoy this week getting out of your house, and being able to see your family and friends. As always, get tested if you are concerned or have any symptoms, and most importantly, be kind to each other.